What computer to buy as home network base

I have an existing computer at home which is a fairly fast processor but it has no high speed USB ports only normal one. I would like to give this computer to the kids and buy a new one to make a home network with the existing computer, the new one and my laptop which is a brand new HP one. My question is what spec should I go for, I do not play many games only Microsoft flight simulator. I use if for browsing on AOL broadband gold and working form home using MS office suite. I live within 3 miles of Novatech in Portsmouth and we have bought many computers form them for our office with no side effects and very reasonable after service etc. They do a tailor made servicew so what should I ask for on the new computer, any comments would be appreciated. I have previously bought a computer from Mesh, I WILL SAY NO MORE ON THAT SUBJECT!!!! enough said. I do realise not everybody will prioritise features in the same order but would like this to last a few years!! some hope. I will probably spend in the region of £1,000.00 - £1,200.00 inc vat

They are NOT secondhand - they are refurbished, usually by the manufacturers and come with an excellent on-site warranty.

Morgan Computers, for instance, is another source with which many forum members will be familiar for a wide choice of such bargains, while click here will sell you a new or used laptop at very keen prices, plus spares, accessories etc.

Most people don't need the latest and greatest to achieve what we want with a computer system or to brag to friends and family about our latest acquisition.

What's more, some of us survive on modest pensions and don't feel the need to donate any more tax than necessary to be needlessly squandered by politicians.

Come on guys, keep it relevant, leave the politics out!!!. I only need a spec to work to. I will buy it locally as the problems I had with Mesh preclude any distance buying because of normal breakdowns etc. i have always had good service from Novatech so spec only please, no preaching!!

Just another thought, has anybody experience of PC World service. They have a branch near me and have some good finance deals, why use my money when I can use theirs?. They also sell and install, at home, a network system for about £100, not bad eh?

The Portsmouth PC World is fairly good as stores go, the team there is knowledgeable and helpful on the whole. Nobody is perfect, and things do go wrong sometimes, but the technical team are pretty knowledgable and as TomJerry says, at least you can go in and talk (please don't shout) to someone if you have a problem.

I am biased, as up to last week, I was the General Manager of the store, I have now moved to Chichester to take up the same role.

Please do not overload me with emails requesting help with your PC World problems as I do not have the resource or time to offer as do some of the other regular contributors (Davey and Daniel spring to mind). Having said that, if I can provide clarification on an issue, or perhaps provide an escalation route, i will be happy to do so.

jimborani, if it is any help, drop me an email via the yellow envelope, and i will provide you with a contact in store who is knowledgeable in the area you are looking at.

Thanks for the PC World info. Went into the store late last week and spoke to someone about spec etc. Have now found out AOL gold does not support networking on my cable modem, so the new computer would not have worked anyway!!!